Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the
vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Speed-sensitive power steering (Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic, etc., easier.
The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway speeds.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water.
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the car towed
out of the water.
131 06 Starting and driving
Manual transmission
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well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W - 30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 195 for
the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during
winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as
follows:
- Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water
- Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
- Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
- Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the D position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 48
).
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
150 06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs
and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
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Gap: 0.028-0.032 in. (0.7-0.8 mm)
Tightening torque: 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm)
Firing order: 1-2-4-5-3.
Battery
1Models equipped with the High Performance audio system
2 Models equipped with the Premium Sound audio system or the Volvo Navigation System
If the battery must be replaced, replace it with one with the same cold start capacity and reserve capacity as the original
(see the decal on the battery).
WARNING
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to prevent
injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
250 11 Specifications
Three-way catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter - general information
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involving the electrical, fuel or distributor
ignition systems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Do not continue to operate your
vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of power or other unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned engine will help avoid malfunctions that could damage the three-way
catalytic converter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustible materials, such as grass or leaves, which can come into contact with the
hot exhaust system and cause such materials to ignite under certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded engine can cause three-way
catalytic converter or exhaust system overheating.
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